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E46 (1999 - 2006) The fourth generation 3 Series (E46 chassis) was introduced in 1999 and set the standard for engineering and performance during it's years of production including being named to Car & Driver's 10 best list every one of those years! ! -- View the E46 Wiki

I have had this car for years and just about two weeks ago i had to start jumping it. So i bought a new battery then i just bought a new altinato. I have had both tested and the altinator is perfect and so is the batter. But when i start the car it will run but after a while the battery is dead again. If i let it stay parked over night the battery will build up enough juice to run again but the same thing happens again. What could be causing it to lose amps while running like that besides the altinator since i know that isnt it.

Could be anything. Stuck relay, chewed or melted wires ect. Bring it to a trusted auto electrical shop in your area. This type of thing will drive you nuts if you don't have the right equipment to find the short. Might cost you a few hundred to find it, but it might be the best money you ever spent. I speak from experience.

Could be anything. Stuck relay, chewed or melted wires ect. Bring it to a trusted auto electrical shop in your area. This type of thing will drive you nuts if you don't have the right equipment to find the short. Might cost you a few hundred to find it, but it might be the best money you ever spent. I speak from experience.

It's not the right equipment to find a short, it's knowledge and experience. That's why I love electricity. Need just a vom to check things out.

It's not the right equipment to find a short, it's knowledge and experience. That's why I love electricity. Need just a vom to check things out.

Actually, it is important to have the right equipment. Poking holes in wire insulation when connector access is difficult, or the wire runs through enclosed metal sections of the car, is not the right way to go. My shop had a machine that was a sophisticated version of the method used here. Knowing you have a short by using a VOM, and finding where the short is along the wire are two different things.